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September 20, 2013

DIY Friday: Ombre Pinecone Tutorial

A few years ago I found two very beautiful pinecones around my neighborhood. I took them home and placed them on my bookcase not knowing that it would spark a love for collecting pinecone from the different places that I have visited within the U.S. I have taken home a foot long pinecone from a campsite at Idyllwild and some tiny pinecones from my trip to Oregon. After collecting a basket full, I started thinking of ways to dress them up. One day I had some paint laying around and decided to add a pop of color to a pinecone by painting just the tips of the pinecone. And the rest was history!

Materials:

- A pinecone- Acrylic paint in three or four different shade of the same color- Angled paint brush- An old toothbrush

Construction:

1. Take your toothbrush and clean off any dirt or bugs (recommend doing this step outdoor).2. Take your paint brush and apply the first shade on to 1/4 of the pinecone (recommend starting with the darkest shade at the bottom of the pinecone and working your way up).3. Continue painting the next shade to the next 1/4 of the pinecone.4. Repeat step 3 with the rest of the shades until you reach the top.

Depending on the size of the pinecone you can either use three shades for a small to medium size pinecone or four different shades for a large size pinecone. This will allow you to clearly see the ombre effect. The simplicity of adding just a bit of color to the tip of the pinecone can really transform it into something that is both vibrant and decorative. I love how the pinecones can add a pop of color to any festive occasions or an otherwise boring room. I have them displayed around my fireplace but next month I plan on using them in my nephew's Cowboy and Indian Theme birthday party. How do you plan on using them to brighten up your home or everyday life?

36 comments:

Thanks! so happy that you like them. If you can't find any pinecone around your area, I know that Michael's or some arts and craft store do sell them (especially around this time of year for Christmas). Make sure you get a bag that has full bloom pinecones so that it is easier to paint. Good Luck!

Just a handy FIY: If the pinecones aren't fully open you can try to put them in the oven at a moderately low temp and they should bloom as they fully dry. My son and I collect pinecones on our nature walks and I have been looking for something to do with them. This is fabulous! Thank You!

how clever! these cones look amazing! I have plenty of pine cones, I will definitly try to make some!p.s. if your cones are not quite "open", put them near stove or any other heat, they will "bloom" soon enough ;)

Sticking them in the oven in a great idea! I have left them out in the sun to dry once after forgetting about them in the rain. But popping them in the oven is a much faster method, lets just hope I don't burn them!

LOve the ombre effect. I collected pine cones to tip paint (dipping in paint to messy) with Nursing home residents but this would be even nicer as a christmas or fall craft. Thanks for the imrovrd idea.

pinecones are so special to me because my grandma planted one years and years ago. every time i see it, i am reminded of her sweet spirit. i will be making these cute ombre pinecones over the weekend. thank you for sharing this!